Aeroplan

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Aeroplan TSX: [AER.UN] is the loyalty marketing arm of ACE Aviation Holdings, the parent company of Air Canada. It started out solely as Air Canada's frequent flyer reward system, allowing travelers to collect points from flight purchases that can be used to obtain tickets for future flights. In recent years, Aeroplan has evolved into a loyalty marketing company that serves Bell Canada, Costco, Esso, and others.

In June 2005, ACE Aviation Holdings sold 12.5% of Aeroplan for $250 million dollars through an initial public offering. ACE Aviation Holdings remains the controlling shareholder with 87.5% of shares.

Air Miles is Aeroplan's main competitor as a Canadian-based travel rewards loyalty program, however it is not an airline frequent flyer program per se. Other North American frequent flyer programs include AAdvantage and Asia Miles.

Aeroplan credit cards were originally allocated to CIBC and Diners Club/enRoute, but it was later offered to AMEX Bank of Canada, while Diners Club withdrew from the program.

Member Numbers

There are 4 levels of membership in Aeroplan: Basic, Prestige, Elite, and Super Elite. The Prestige, Elite, and Super Elite levels provide travel benefits such as upgrades and lounge access to customers and require customers to fly a certain amount of miles per year. Prestige members have Star Alliance Silver status while Elite and Super Elite members have Star Alliance Gold status with other Start Alliance Airlines. As of January 16, 2006, there were approximately 4.8 million Basic members, 57000 Prestige members, 68000 Elite members, and 9000 Super Elite members.

External links

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